Category: New Zealand

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Sri Lanka – State of Emergency

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Sri Lanka – State of Emergency

On 6 March 2018, the Sri Lankan Government declared a nationwide State of Emergency due to incidents of communal unrest. The State of Emergency provides authorities with increased powers to search individuals, impose roadblocks and curfews, and to limit public gatherings. Access to social messaging networks may be restricted. We advise New Zealanders in Sri Lanka to follow the advice and directions of local authorities. Exercise vigilance throughout the country and avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

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Police attending incident in Pukekohe

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Police attending incident in Pukekohe


Location:

Counties Manukau

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant John Yearbury, Counties Manukau Police

Police are attending an incident in Pukekohe where a male at an address has sustained a gunshot wound to his leg shortly after 12.40pm.

Enquiries are underway to locate the offender, who fled from the Hogan St address following the incident.

At this stage of our investigation, it’s believed the offender is known to the victim.

Paerata School in Pukekohe is currently in lockdown as a precaution.

ENDS

Nick Baker/NZ Police
 

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Northland Police search for missing Onerahi man

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Northland Police search for missing Onerahi man


Location:

Northland

Police are looking to locate 89-year-old Christopher Kapa who was last seen in the Raurimu Road area, Onerahi  last night around 11pm (8 March, 2018).

Mr Kapa is hard of hearing and may appear to be confused.

It is not clear exactly what he was wearing when he went missing, however he normally wears grey track pants and a dark top.

Police are concerned for his welfare and urge anyone who may have seen him to contact police.


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Auckland overnight motorway closures 10-17 March 2018

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Auckland overnight motorway closures 10-17 March 2018

Check daily updated closure information

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Southbound lanes between Oteha Valley Road off ramp and Upper Harbour Highway on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Oteha Valley Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • McClymonts Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Greville Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Northbound lanes between Upper Harbour Highway off ramp and Oteha Valley Road on ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Upper Harbour Highway northbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Greville Road northbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (SH1 & SH16)

  • (SH1) Northbound lanes between Khyber Pass Road off ramp and Nelson Street on ramp, 14 March (approx. 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

  • Greenlane northbound on ramp, 12 March
  • Greenlane northbound off ramp, 14 March
  • Ellerslie-Panmure Highway southbound off ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Tecoma Street southbound off ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Tecoma Street southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Hill Road northbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Northbound lanes between Manukau off ramp and East Tamaki Road on ramp, 12 – 13 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Te Irirangi Drive northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March
  • Redoubt Road northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March
  • Northbound lanes between Papakura off ramp and Takanini on ramp, 14 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Papakura northbound on ramp, 14 – 15 March
  • Papakura northbound (diamond) on ramp, 14 – 15 March
  • Southbound lanes between Takanini off ramp and Papakura on ramp, 11 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Takanini southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • SH22/Drury northbound off ramp, 14 March
  • SH22/Drury southbound on ramp, 14 March
  • Razorback Road northbound on ramp, 12 March
  • Razorback Road southbound off ramp, 11 March
  • Ridge Road northbound off ramp, 12 March
  • Nikau Road southbound on ramp, 11 March
  • SH1 Northbound to SH2 Eastbound Link, 12 – 13 & 15 March
  • SH1 Southbound to SH2 Eastbound Link, 11 & 14 March
  • SH2 Westbound to SH1 Northbound Link, 11 – 12 March
  • Pokeno northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

  • SH16 southbound link to SH20, (including SB Waterview tunnel), 14 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • SH16 westbound link to SH20, (including SB Waterview tunnel), 14 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road roundabout and Lincoln Road on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Hobsonville Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Royal Road southbound on ramp, 11 – 15 March
  • Royal Road northbound off ramp, 11 March
  • Great North Road westbound off ramp, 12 – 13 March

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

  • SH18 westbound to SH16 eastbound link, 11 – 15 March

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

  • Northbound lanes between Maioro Street and SH16, (including NB Waterview tunnel), 12 – 13
  • Maioro Street northbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March
  • Coronation Road northbound off ramp, 12 March
  • Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off ramp and Massey Road on ramp, 11 & 14 – 15 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Puhinui Road northbound on ramp, 11 & 14 – 15 March
  • Roscommon Road northbound on ramp, 11 & 14 – 15 March
  • SH20 northbound to SH20A westbound link, 15 March
  • Southbound lanes between SH20A and Massey Road, 11 March (approx. 11:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Walmsley Road southbound on ramp, 11 March
  • Southbound lanes between Lambie Drive and SH1, 12 – 13 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Lambie Drive southbound on ramp, 12 – 13 March

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

  • Southbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off ramp and Kirkbride Road on ramp, 11 – 12 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Southbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off ramp and Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive, 13 – 17 March (approx. 10:00p.m. to 5:00a.m.)
  • Kirkbride Road southbound on ramp, 13 – 17 March
  • Northbound lanes between Landing Drive/Verissimo Drive and Kirkbride Road on ramp, 11 – 13 & 16 March (approx. 10:30p.m. to 5:00a.m.)

Please follow the signposted detours. The Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

For updates on state highway conditions and hazards visit: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz
Auckland roads and public transport: www.at.govt.nz

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Five arrests in Wellington drug operation

Source: New Zealand Police –

Headline: Five arrests in Wellington drug operation


Location:

Wellington

Police have arrested five Wellingtonians and restrained hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets following a long-running investigation into the importation and sale of a Class C drug.

The operation began in November last year and focussed on the importation of N-Ethylpentylone — a relatively new Class C controlled drug commonly referred to as Brown Sugar, Mephedrone or Drone — into the Wellington region.

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Air New Zealand dumps on Kapiti

Source: National Party – Headline: Air New Zealand dumps on Kapiti

Otaki MP Nathan Guy says Air New Zealand has robbed the Kapiti community by withdrawing its Auckland to Kapiti Coast air service, with just three weeks’ notice.

“The route has proved popular and profitable for the national carrier. It’s hard to believe that the reason Air New Zealand is giving – a lack of pilots – has just crept up on them. It stinks,” Mr Guy says.

“I also find it hypocritical of Air New Zealand to have been promoting flights from Kapiti Coast as recently as last weekend when they held an open day at the airport. They have deceived the community.”

Mr Guy says Air New Zealand is displaying a lack of foresight.

“Our region is benefiting hugely by the massive investment taking place with the construction of Transmission Gully and the Kapiti Expressways. It’s making us one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

“It is also disappointing that Air New Zealand has given the community insufficient time to come up with another option, so a similar service could continue.”

Mr Guy is calling a meeting of representatives from the Kapiti Coast District Council, Air Chathams, Todd Property Group and the Kapiti Chamber of Commerce next week.

“The meeting aims to encourage a new carrier to take on the service and Air Chathams has already expressed an interest to me in doing so, but they won’t be able to deliver a service in just three weeks.

“I’ll certainly be doing all I can by working with interested groups to fight the decision.”

Mr Guy successfully lobbied to get Air New Zealand to begin flights from Kapiti Coast in 2011.

“Air New Zealand has invested in the service and it is now performing well, which makes this knee-jerk decision all the more disappointing for regular users and our community.”

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SH1 Desert Road closure scheduled for next week

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: SH1 Desert Road closure scheduled for next week

The road is being closed to enable the concrete deck to be poured on the Waihohonu Stream Bridge. The bridge was damaged in a crash last year.

Earlier dates have been postponed because of bad weather. Pouring concrete in wet weather can have environmental and safety impacts.

NZTA Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says this date is still weather dependent.

“People should continue to check our website or call us before they leave for their journey so they’re aware of what’s ahead of them.”

Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for mid to late April, this will also be weather permitting.

Outside of the closure times people can expect the bridge to be down to one lane, with some short closures of around 5 minutes. There is a 30km/h limit in place.

The alternative route is State Highways 46, 47, 4, and 49. This detour is not suitable for vehicles over 46 tonnes, apart from 50MAX which is permitted.

There are also multiple maintenance work sites on the Desert Road during this period and delays are possible at other sites.

High productivity motor vehicles can use the SH3 and SH3A route between Hamilton and Bulls.

Vehicles with over-weight loads or over-dimension loads wider than 3.0 metres are unable to use the Desert Road section of SH1 until the bridge repairs are complete in April.

The closure dates are subject to fine weather. Updates will be posted at the sites below.

People can check all current road closures here:

www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/

We are also on Twitter and Facebook:

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CPTPP must be last trade deal of its kind

Source: Green Party

Headline: CPTPP must be last trade deal of its kind

In the wake of the signing of the CPTPP, the Green Party is calling on all parties in Parliament to rule out signing any future trade deals with ISDS clauses.

“No future governments should sign trade agreements with ISDS clauses in them,” said Green Party trade spokesperson Golriz Ghahraman. 

“ISDS clauses are a threat to our sovereignty, to our people and to our environment. We are giving foreign investors and multinational corporates the right to sue us for future progressive law change that benefits New Zealand, if it hurts their profits. This is a right that ordinary Kiwis don’t have. 

“We’re calling on all parties, no matter who’s in government, to not sign up to any trade deals that contain investor-state clauses in the future.

“It’s disappointing to see the side letters, agreements that exclude ISDS in the CPTPP, are with relatively small nations. 

“Investor-state disputes are unlikely to come from those nations, whereas large multinational companies that have a presence in bigger countries, like Japan and Chile, are still free to sue our government for access.

“We know that corporates can use their registered bases to sue us from any one of the nations without the side letters. So we are left very vulnerable.

“The Green Party is for trade that serves the interests of New Zealand as well as the pressing problems facing our planet and our people. Unfortunately the CPTPP isn’t that,” said Ms Ghahraman.

Contact

Golriz Ghahraman MP

Article Type

Portfolios

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Rare bat on the road to recovery

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Rare bat on the road to recovery

One of New Zealand’s rare bats is on its way to recovery after successful large-scale predator control in Fiordland, according to a new science report released by Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage today.
The New Zealand Threat Classification System report on the conservation status of New Zealand bats updates the last review in 2012.
The most significant change is the move of southern short-tailed bat from ‘threatened’ to ‘recovering’, largely due to DOC’s sustained control of rats, possums and stoats in its last mainland habitat, Ms Sage said.
“Numbers of short-tailed bats in the Eglinton valley in Fiordland National Park have steadily grown from about 300 to more than 3000 since predator control began more than a decade ago.”
The Eglinton is the last known South Island mainland site for this bat subspecies, which is also found on pest-free Whenua Hou/Codfish Island. 
The population of long-tailed bats in the Eglinton is also growing at a similar rate.
The picture is not as good for bats in other areas, particularly the North Island, Ms Sage says.
“The status of our North Island long-tailed bats has worsened since 2012 and they are now grouped with their South Island counterparts in the highest threat category of ‘nationally critical’.”
Previously the North Island long-tailed bat was assessed separately as being in a lower threat category but new genetic research has confirmed just one species.
The new threat assessment confirms that where bat forest habitat is safe and predators are suppressed, our only native land mammals can recover.
“Yet in many areas populations of both bat species continue to decline due to the threat of rats, stoats, possums and cats, and clearance of lowland forest and large old trees where bats roost.”
The effects of wasps and potential effect of kauri dieback on roost trees is also of concern.
New Zealand has two species of bats—the long-tailed bat and short-tailed bat, of which there are three subspecies. A third species—the greater short-tailed bat—is thought to be extinct.
The threat status of the central and northern short-tailed bat subspecies (found in the central and northern North Island) remains the same as in 2012—both are declining.
Bats can fly up to 30 kilometres from their roosting areas to forage and a colony range over more than 100 square kilometres.  This can make them seem more numerous than they actually are.
Further information
DOC administers the New Zealand Threat Classification System, which draws on expertise from the wider science and conservation community.
Conservation status of New Zealand bats:
 http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/science-and-technical/nztcs21.pdf
http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/bats-pekapeka/
 
 

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Study of smoking among doctors and nurses shows very low smoking prevalence and Smokefree 2025 goal can be achieved

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Study of smoking among doctors and nurses shows very low smoking prevalence and Smokefree 2025 goal can be achieved

A new study on smoking trends among doctors and nurses in New Zealand finds smoking has declined steadily within these healthcare professions. Researchers say this shows that very low smoking rates can be achieved in large occupational groups, suggesting that New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal is reachable.